Under a glowing Hawaiian sky, the haunting call of a conch shell pierces the air at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park. Known as “Kani Ka Pū,” it signals the beginning of a solemn gathering. Hundreds of surfers and outrigger canoe paddlers take to the water, their silhouettes a stark contrast to the horizon, as they honor the 102 lives lost in the Maui wildfires one year ago.
Onshore, the community unites in shared purpose. Amidst lei-making workshops, clothing adorned with “LAHAINA STRONG” slogans, and free childcare for families still rebuilding, the air is alive with resilience and hope. Faith leaders, hotel workers, and small business owners hold hands in prayer and song, their voices mingling with the ocean breeze—a testament to the enduring spirit of Lahaina.
It’s been a year since the wildfires ravaged Maui, forever altering its landscape and leaving scars, both physical and emotional. Yet, from the ashes of tragedy, a remarkable story of unity and resilience has emerged, led by a community determined not only to rebuild but to reimagine what recovery can look like.
A Community Rises from the Ashes
In the chaotic days following the fires, Maui residents rallied. They created over a dozen community hubs in beach parks, parking lots, and abandoned malls—lifelines processing millions of donations in food, clothing, and supplies. Local culinary heroes, like Sheldon Simeon and Mark Noguchi of Maui Chef Hui, teamed up with World Central Kitchen to serve thousands of hot meals daily to survivors.
While corporate landowners scrambled to protect their assets and federal aid trickled in slowly, the community took matters into its own hands. Indigenous and immigrant elders blessed a new generation of leaders who rose to the challenge. People like service worker Paʻele Kiakona, expectant mothers Jordan Rudias and Courtney Lazo, and immigrant caseworker Veronica Mendoza Jachowski became the backbone of Lahaina’s recovery. Despite their personal grief and losses, these leaders organized clothing drives, translated for non-English-speaking survivors, and repaired roofs—all while tending to their own families.
Drawing from the legacies of plantation labor organizers, the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and the Mauna Kea protectors, these leaders embodied the spirit of Aloha ʻĀina—a profound connection to and stewardship of the land.
From Charity to Change
Under the rallying cry of “Lahaina Strong,” volunteers conducted needs assessments, coordinated mental health services, and established networks of mutual aid. This grassroots movement quickly transformed into a political force. Armed with the trust of their community, these leaders demanded systemic changes, challenging the colonial institutions that have long controlled Maui’s resources.
Public forums became arenas of power, where residents wearing “Lahaina Strong” shirts testified passionately. Their movement culminated in several victories: over a billion dollars in government aid secured, wrongful dismissals reversed, and illegal vacation rentals reclaimed for local families.
A months-long occupation at Kaʻanapali Beach served as both protest and education, drawing attention to the thousands of families still unhoused. Volunteers sold handcrafted “Lahaina Strong” ornaments, raising tens of thousands of dollars while educating tourists about Maui’s struggles.
This approach—shifting focus from charity to empowering communities to lead their own recovery—has set a new precedent for disaster response, especially as climate-related crises become more frequent.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these victories, Lahaina’s work is far from finished. The invasive grasses that fueled the fires remain unchecked, and the utility company responsible for sparking the blaze has yet to implement critical infrastructure improvements. Local streams, once vital to Lahaina’s survival, are still controlled by colonial interests, and global climate change exacerbates these challenges.
Federal investments are needed to rebuild resilient infrastructure and accelerate clean energy transitions. Corporate polluters and absentee landowners must be held accountable for environmental and social damages. Most importantly, more land should be entrusted to Indigenous stewardship, which is key to fostering resilience and reversing biodiversity loss.
A Blueprint for the Future
With newfound power and a blank slate, Lahaina is poised to become a global leader in sustainable solutions. From regenerative farming and community solar to ecotourism and agro-energy, the island’s vision for the future is as bold as it is inspiring.
Unity Through Tradition
As the ceremony on Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park concludes, a 45-foot outrigger canoe glides back to shore. Its paddlers move in perfect synchrony, guided by Kanaloa, the Hawaiian guardian of the ocean. Their unity is a rare and beautiful reminder of the strength that has sustained Lahaina’s people for centuries.
This same unity—the foundation of Lahaina’s recovery—will heal the island and nourish its people as they rebuild and flourish anew. The resilience of Lahaina is not just a story of survival; it is a beacon of hope for communities worldwide navigating their own paths toward recovery and renewal.
In the words of the elders and the movements they inspire, “I am because we are.” Lahaina is because of its people. And their strength will carry them into a brighter future.
